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3 Answers

Vor approach with Gps

Asked by: 7323 views Flight Instructor, General Aviation, Instrument Rating

I know we can do vor approach with gps. Is there any specific requirement to follow if we do vor approach with gps? And if vor is out of service can we shoot the approach with gps?

3 Answers



  1. John D Collins on Jan 26, 2018

    To fly a VOR approach that does not include (or GPS) in the title using a GPS for navigation, the VOR must be in service, the approach must not be NOTAM out of service, the VOR must be tuned on a working and installed VOR receiver in the aircraft, the course set and the VOR CDI indications must be monitored for course guidance.

    Here is the current guidance and note in the AIM section 1−2−3. Use of Suitable Area Navigation (RNAV) Systems on Conventional Procedures and Routes:

    c. Uses of Suitable RNAV Systems. Subject to the operating requirements, operators may use a suitable RNAV system in the following ways.

    <1. thru 4. - edited out>

    5.Use of a suitable RNAV system as a means to navigate on the final approach segment of an instrument approach procedure based on a VOR, TACAN or NDB signal, is allowable. The underlying NAVAID must be operational and the NAVAID monitored for final segment course alignment.

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  2. 407driver on Mar 31, 2019

    This is a very interesting topic for me, as I recently was schooled about this on a recent checkride. If I understand correctly…unless the IAP has “or GPS” in the title, you CANNOT use the GPS to navigate to the MDA on the final approach course. You CAN use the GPS to navigate to the approach course but must switch to VLOC mode and track the VOR inbound past the FAF. Same is true with the ILS. Do I have that correct?

    I think the biggest additional clue I completely overlooked and see it EVERY time after I activate a non-GPS approach is the disclaimer that states “can only be used for navigational purposes” or something like that. It’s clearly telling you that you can’t use the approach loaded in the GPS for the actual final approach segment.

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  3. John D Collins on Apr 01, 2019

    407 Driver,

    When flying a VOR or NDB approach that does not have or GPS in the title, assume the VOR/NDB NAVAID is in service and the pilot has tuned, identified and has the course indicator displayed in the pilot view on an indicator showing the final approach course. The pilot loads the approach on the GPS, gets the lawyer message, and displays the GPS derived path on another indicator. Further, the pilot couples the autopilot to use the GPS for lateral guidance. At the same time, the pilot monitors the other indicator during the approach to make sure that it indicates on course. As long as the monitored indicator shows on course, what is the issue with using the GPS for the navigation? That question was posed to the FAA. They agreed it was OK and met their guidance. Those that asked the question, asked the FAA to add a statement in the AIM to that effect.

    Read the section of the AIM I referenced for the statement the FAA added.

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